แกน
core
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 core、central rod
- 2 axis、axle
- 3 core、central element、mainstay
- 4 hard and underdeveloped inside (of fruit)
This word refers to a core or axis that runs through the center of something and supports or organizes it. It can also mean the central element of a group or idea, or describe fruit with an abnormally hard area inside.
core、central rod
The firm central part inside an object that supports it or is surrounded by other material.
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แกนดินสอ kɛɛn dinsɔ̌ɔ pencil lead แกนดินสอ details
axis、axle
A central line or rod around which something turns, or a reference line used in graphs and coordinate systems.
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แกนนอนและแกนตั้ง kɛɛn nɔɔn lɛ́ kɛɛn tâŋ the horizontal and vertical axes แกนนอนและแกนตั้ง details
core、central element、mainstay
The central person, part, or idea that holds a group, activity, or subject together and gives it direction.
hard and underdeveloped inside (of fruit)
Describes fruit whose flesh contains a hard, poorly developed area instead of becoming evenly soft.
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ทุเรียนแกนกินไม่อร่อย thúrian kɛɛn kin mây arɔ̀ɔy Durian with hard, underdeveloped flesh does not taste good. ทุเรียนแกนกินไม่อร่อย details
Learning notes
Explanation
The basic image is a central part or line that supports what surrounds it or serves as a structural reference. From the physical sense of a core, the word extends to a mechanical or coordinate axis and then to the central element of a team, organization, idea, or story. It commonly appears in expressions such as แกนหลัก, “main core” or “central pillar,” and แกนนำ, “leader” or “leading group.” When used adjectivally of fruit, especially durian, it describes flesh containing a hard, poorly developed area that has not softened normally.
Usage
It is used for the core of objects such as pencils and electrical wires, and is a basic term for axes in mathematics, science, and engineering. In news, politics, sports, and organizational contexts, it often appears in compounds referring to leaders or central elements. In discussions of fruit quality, especially durian, it describes a hard area within the flesh.
Caution
For an ordinary spatial “middle,” กลาง or ตรงกลาง is usually more natural. แกน is appropriate when the center functions as a core, reference line, or supporting element. When describing fruit, แกน is not simply interchangeable with ดิบ or ห่าม, which indicate stages of ripeness. It specifically highlights a hard, poorly developed area in the flesh.
Differences from similar words
1 core synonyms
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ไส้ broadly refers to an inside part, filling, or filament. แกน more specifically suggests a central core that supports or runs through an object.
3 core synonyms
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ศูนย์กลาง is a center where places, activities, or attention converge. แกน emphasizes the core element that supports and shapes the whole.